Cheap beauty products that are actually good (under $20)

As I approach my thirties, I'd be lying if I didn't say that I haven't started to be more conscious of the products I use and my skincare routine. In this day and age, there are so many beauty and skin care brands that it's easy to feel overwhelmed. The worst part is that there is so much commentary on how this magical $150 serum will make my wrinkles go away or how that $90 cleanser will clear up acne scarring. Do I want gorgeous, plump, glowing skin? Yes of course. Am I willing to spend hundreds of dollars on products that contain hardly two pumps worth? No. Freaking. Way.

The beauty industry is out of control. With every celebrity and influencer dropping a skin care line claiming that their products are 'the reason they have such gorgeous glowing skin' and not the botox, filler and expensive beauty treatments they get, I feel more and more pressure to buy into the trends.

But if there is one thing about me, it's that I'm stingy. I'm very selective with how I spend my hard earned cash and you will not catch me spending thousands of dollars on products when I can find dupes that work just as well and contain the same ingredients.

So I thought I would compile a list of the best beauty products I have discovered over the years that all come in at under $20 that actually work.

MCo Beauty No. 4 Vanilla & Macadamia Fragrance Mist - $16.99

This stuff is addictive for me. I'm so obsessed with it that I sprits it over myself before I go to bed just so I can bask in the scent while I'm sleeping. I promise you I'm not crazy, this fragrance just smells that good.

NIVEA Sun UV Face Sunscreen Shine Control SPF50 - $10.69

We all know the importance of having a sunscreen in our daily skincare routines. But the thought was so unappealing for me for so long as someone who has long struggled with oily and acne-prone skin. I couldn't imagine putting greasy sunscreen on my face every single morning. That was until I discovered this sunscreen. It goes on so smoothly and feels like nothing at all. It's also SPF50+ which is fantastic to prevent again sun. This product also doesn't trigger my acne prone skin which is a huge bonus!

Olay Moisturising Lotion - $7.99

As mentioned above, I have struggled with acne for over fifteen years. Over the years, I've tried so many different moisturisers and none seemed to do any favours for my skin. I've always struggled with the consistencies of moisturisers being too thick for my oily skin. I'm not saying that this product is the reason I now have clear skin or that it keeps my acne at bay, but the fact that I feel moisturised, light and dewey for $8 is incredible.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer - $13.69

I swear by this stuff and have done so for years. This is one of the best concealers on the market and I have tried my fair share. I actually use this concealer in place of using foundation for everyday makeup when I can't be bothered doing a full makeup look and it works a treat and lasts all day. Another hack is to actually remove the spongey bit at the top and pump the product directly onto a brush or beauty blender, it makes the product last so much longer.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Pressed Powder - $11.99

Another Maybelline product, I'm sorry, but they're just so good! This powder is incredible at achieving a matte look that doesn't make your face feel caked down. I prefer to use a fluffy brush then the sponge that comes with the product for a lighter look. But for this price? You can't go wrong!

MCo Beauty Miracle Pimple Patch - $9.00

As I've stated at various points throughout this article, I have oily, acne prone skin. These pimple patches work! I've tried so many of the cheap pimple patch options at Woolworths and none of them seemed to do anything so I assumed pimple patches were just a gimmicky product that didn't actually work. That was until I tried these ones. I usually put them on before I go to bed and when I wake up I can see how much the redness has reduced (plus I find it really satisfying to see the gunk on the patch after I peel it off, I'm gross, I know).

Of course no product is a one size fits all, and when it comes to skin especially, it is so dependent on your skin type. However, if you are cheap like me and suffer from oilier, acne prone skin, I recommend giving these products a go to see if they work for you. All of these products are essentials in my house and I have repurchased them all many times. I just can't justify spending hundreds of dollars on beauty and skincare products when I've found these much cheaper alternatives that work for me.

Disclaimer: All prices listed are from October 2024. I am not a dermatologist or skincare expert.